SKILCRAFT® Pro-Grade screwdrivers and socket sets for professional maintenance, repair and industrial uses now available to government customers
January 15, 2015, ALEXANDRIA, VA – National Industries for the Blind (NIB) today announced the launch of SKILCRAFT® Pro-Grade screwdrivers and socket sets. The tools are the initial offering in a new line of products for professional maintenance, repair and industrial uses developed by National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind and Snap-on® Industrial, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of hand tools for professionals. Snap-on Industrial is proud to supply American-made handles and screwdriver blades to the two NIB associated agencies—Industries for the Blind Inc., Milwaukee, and Beyond Vision—as well as engineering, marketing, and merchandising advice.
SKILCRAFT Pro-Grade screwdrivers and socket sets, available to federal customers beginning Jan. 1, 2015, are NIB’s initial entry into the maintenance, repair and operations market. NIB, Industries for the Blind Inc., Milwaukee, and Beyond Vision, are working to create the new line of hand tools for professional maintenance, repair and industrial uses. The tools, comprised of American-made materials, will be assembled in the United States by people who are blind.
“Whether servicing a fleet of vehicles here at home or maintaining flight lines and motor pools in military installations around the world, our government customers working with professional maintenance and repair in industrial use settings need high-performance tools that can stand up to the rigors of daily use,” NIB President and CEO Kevin Lynch said. “Through our partnership with Snap-on Industrial, SKILCRAFT Pro-Grade tools will fulfill that need while creating jobs for people who are blind.”
SKILCRAFT Pro-Grade tools are designed to meet the requirements of the most challenging environments. For example, SKILCRAFT Pro Grade socket sets exceed aerospace standards for fasteners and are designed for quick engagement of both 6 and 12-point fasteners. Other key features and benefits of the new SKILCRAFT Pro-Grade tools developed with Snap-on Industrial include:
• Field-repairable screwdriver blades
• Shock-resistant steel for superior blade strength and durability
• Nickel-chrome plating for easy cleaning
• Limited lifetime warranties
• Assembly in the United States by people who are blind
Federal customers will be able to purchase the new SKILCRAFT Pro-Grade tools as part of the more than 5,000 SKILCRAFT products available for purchase through the AbilityOne® Program. For information on how to order, visit www.nib.org/products/purchase-products.
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About National Industries for the Blind
For more than 75 years, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) has focused on enhancing the opportunities for economic and personal independence of people who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and its network of 93 associated nonprofit agencies nationwide serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® and other products and services through the AbilityOne® Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act. For more information about NIB, visit www.NIB.org.
About Snap-on® Incorporated
Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks. Products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as for customers in industries, including aviation and aerospace, agriculture, construction, government and military, mining, natural resources, power generation and technical education. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $3.1 billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Contact:
Laura Reimers
Vice President, Communications
703-310-0453
lreimers@nib.org